Bacara Resort & Spa is pleased to continue its famed “Meet the Masters” dinner series on September 18 with Verona’s top winemaker, Armando Fumanelli, proprietor of Marchesi Fumanelli Winery. Offering the perfect coupling of fine wine and theater arts, this exclusive winemaker dinner also includes operatic performances by Opera Santa Barbara.
“The Fumanelli family has been cultivating grapes and producing prestigious wines for more than 600 years,” said Kathleen Cochran, general manager of Bacara Resort & Spa. “We are honored to offer guests the rare opportunity to dine with a winemaker of this magnitude.”
Diners will enjoy five Fumanelli wines personally selected by Armando Fumanelli, paired with an elegant reception and four-course Italian-inspired tasting menu by Executive Chef David Reardon. Each course will be preceded by traditional Italian opera performances by singers from Opera Santa Barbara.
Dinner will be served in Bacara’s magnificent circular Rotunda, situated above the resort’s lobby and courtyard. With soothing natural light filling the space, French windows and a private terrace, the Rotunda offers 360 degree views of Bacara’s magical seaside property. Architectural elements such as the beamed ceiling and massive wrought iron chandelier will be complemented by stunning floral displays by Bacara’s creative director, Lorrene Balzani.
Bacara’s Fumanelli and Opera Santa Barbara dinner takes place on Thursday, September 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bacara Resort & Spa. The price is $150 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity, and includes a wine reception followed by a four-course dinner with wine pairings. Space is limited and advanced reservations are recommended. For tickets and additional information, please call (877) 496-8977 or visit www.BacaraResort.com.
About Marchesi Fumanelli Winery: Built in the seventeenth century, the Fumanelli estate is located in the heart of Valpolicella on a gentle hilltop surrounded by vineyards, cherry and cypress trees. Archaeological fragments and inscriptions of a temple dedicated to the Goddess Flora by the Romans who planted the first vines over a thousand years ago, can still be seen throughout the estate grounds.
All wines are produced exclusively from grapes grown onsite at their historic Squarano Estate. Ageing takes place in 17th century tuff stone wine cellars with the winemaking process supported by a combination of traditional and innovative techniques with the greatest respect for the grapes. The Valpolicella area is famous for its vineyards, most notably, Amarone, one of the most prestigious aged red wines of Italy. For more information about Marchesi Fumanelli Winery, please visit www.squarano.com.
About Opera Santa Barbara: Opera Santa Barbara was founded in 1994 by Marilyn Gilbert and Nathan Rundlett with the goal of bringing the highest caliber of opera to Santa Barbara. During the past 19 years, the organization has presented 48 operas and has provided thousands of hours of educational programs to the community. The quality of our productions has consistently improved, and we have established a solid base of opera lovers in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
About Bacara Resort & Spa: Bacara Resort & Spa opened in 2000 and quickly established itself as the premier Santa Barbara resort destination. The property features 354 guestrooms and suites, four restaurants and lounges, a four- story spa and wellness center, three oceanfront swimming pools, a 12,000-bottle Wine Cellar, the Foley Food & Wine Society Wine Tasting Room and 70,000 square feet of function space. Embodying the essence of the American Riviera lifestyle, Bacara is nestled on the bluff and beaches of the Gaviota coast, just 40 miles from the famed Santa Ynez Wine Country and five miles from the Santa Barbara Airport. For reservations or more information, please call (855) 817-9782 or visit www.bacararesort.com.
